George James

Latest Text Message Scam Promises Food Stamp Eligibility

A text messaging scam has been reported that targets people who may be looking to receive food benefits from the government. Text messages that say something like “you are eligible for food stamps” are scams that are just trying to get personal information. This style of criminal activity is called “smishing”.

A warning has been put out by the Office of the Attorney General and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Criminals are impersonating government agencies, and preying on the vulnerable, in this instance.

Elizabeth Hertel, Director of MDHHS said, “I urge people to be on the alert for suspicious emails or texts about public assistance benefits.” 

Consumers are reminded not to assume a text is legitimate because of a familiar area code or phone number, not to click links in suspicious texts, and not to provide personal or financial information to unsolicited texts or linked websites.

Even if the message says to “text STOP”, don’t do it. Report the message to your cell phone service provider by copying the message and texting it to 7726 (SPAM) to report it as suspicious.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Fairgrounds Jam-Packed with Monster Truck Fans

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair brought Monster Trucks to the masses Tuesday night and they were not disappointed. It was standing room only as several Monster Trucks put on a loud and full-throttle show at Goodells County Park.

No one in the crowd of thousands had as much fun as four-year-old Tyler Z. of Clinton Township. Tyler jumped in delight throughout the night as he cheered on his favorite truck, the Reptoid. Tyler’s mom said that he has been watching Monster Trucks on television, but this was his first live show and it was definitely worth the drive.

Tyler is obsessed with Monster Trucks and plans to be a driver when he grows up. He has already started working on building a vehicle with his dad, Matt.

World Champion Freestyle Monster Truck Driver Jim Koehler, a hometown competitor from Columbus, said that he loved the crowd and that they were “awesome”, as he gave his trophy back to the fans after another win as the driver of “Avenger” Tuesday night.

Koehler’s Team Scream, consisting of crowd favorites like Brutus, Axe, and Rage, put on an impressive show for the hometown crowd.

The St. Clair County 4-H and Youth Fair runs through Saturday. Full details can be found at stclaircounty4hfair.org/.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Outdoor Fitness Court Opens in Marysville

Marysville, MI — Fitness opportunities just keep on growing in the Blue Water area. Morton Park in Marysville is the location of the latest addition to the health and wellness scene.

The Outdoor Fitness Court had its grand opening on July 20th and the Marysville Recreation Department is receiving a lot of good feedback about the project.

The project was created by the National Fitness Campaign. They have over 100 similar playgrounds nationwide with a goal of bringing 1000 courts to communities across the country by 2022. They partner with Priority Health in Michigan to give grants to 15 cities and Marysville was one of the lucky winners.

Stefanie Schneider, Recreation Coordinator for the City of Marysville, said, “Our court is located at Morton Park, which is home to the St. Clair County Community College Soccer team and the skatepark.”

Schneider said that she has wanted to provide outdoor fitness equipment for years and when the opportunity came along, she jumped on it.

The equipment is meant for use by those ages 14 and up and is for physical fitness. It is considered an outdoor gym and has instructions and equipment for a good outdoor workout year-round.

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

Warm, Stagnant Water Sets the Stage for Uptick in Legionnaires’ Cases

Don’t panic, but do take note that Michigan is experiencing an uptick in reported cases of Legionnaires’ Disease. The respiratory infection can be spread through stagnant water and is more prevalent during warmer weather.

Buildings that have sat dormant for a time have the potential of spreading Legionnaires’ once they open back up, as the bacteria are sometimes found in man-made water systems like cooling towers, whirlpool spas, and decorative fountains, along with natural lakes and streams. Warm water, stagnation, and low disinfectant systems can contribute to the growth of Legionnaires’ and possible infection.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reports that 107 cases have been reported in just the first two weeks of July. This is a 569% increase from last year at the same time and 141% increase from 2019.

Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “Recent weather trends including rain, flooding, and warmer weather may be playing a role in the rise of reported legionellosis cases this summer. We want everyone to be aware of Legionnaire’s disease, especially if they may be at higher risk for illness and we ask that healthcare providers remain vigilant, and test and treat appropriately.”

Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland

MiSTAIRS Program Increases Access to Apprenticeship Programs

Federal money continues to be poured into training Michigan’s labor force. The MiStairs, or Michigan Statewide Targeted Apprenticeship Inclusion and Readiness System, was funded with a $10 million grant.

The grant will support the registered apprenticeship program expansion efforts in the state with the ultimate goal of increasing employment opportunities.

Michigan is one of fifteen states to receive grants from the United States Department of Labor. The new MiSTAIRS program is a partnership between the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Michigan Works!, and other job training organizations.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the grants, saying, “As we put Michigan back to work, Registered Apprenticeship programs offer on-ramps to high-demand, high-skill careers, and in Michigan we have committed to expanding these educational opportunities to ensure more Michiganders can get good-paying jobs.”

Whitmer went on to say that the grants will help achieve the “60 by 30” goal to have 60% of Michigan’s adults with post-secondary education or skills training by 2030. The grants will help enroll over 1600 workers into apprenticeship programs.

More information about Michigan State Apprenticeship Expansion is available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.  

Reporting for WGRT  – Jennie McClelland